~ re: Hellenic Snack Bar & Cabins ~

BY DANNY McCARTHY
I checked online and came-across a Suffolk Times article re: The Greek Community — From Athens to Astoria to the North Fork. The Greenport Coronet Luncheonette started by John and Alexandra Drossos, the Drossos restaurant/lounge/bakery/miniature golf complex on Route 25, the Blue Dolphin Motel and Snack Bar, Hellenic Snack Bar and Cabins and the Blue Wave Restaurant, among others, are mentioned dated: August 5, 1982.
Now of course the Greenport Coronet Luncheonette is under new ownership -{&}- has changed its name as well. Aha! New post to compose -{!}-
According to that August 5, 1982 article: "... the popular Hellenic Snack Bar and {Brown's} Cabins {was} purchased in 1976 by John Giannaris and Gus Hartofelis...." An undated Times photo APPeared within the article carrying this caption: "HELLENIC SNACK BAR-Owner John Giannaris takes a break outside the Hellenic Snack Bar in East Marion, which is a popular meeting place for the Greek-American community."
According to Monique Singh-Roy's 01.29.2006 {stet} The Suffolk Times article:
Gus Hartofelis handled the real estate and John Giannaris ran the snack bar. "The restaurant was founded in 1976."
Goodies at the snack bar included "fresh-squeezed lemonade" {-AND- I ALWAYS remember the tuna fish dinner plate recipe}. "In 1983 the snack bar underwent a major renovation, turning it into a complete indoor/outdoor restaurant. The restaurant is now run by John’s son George Giannaris and his wife, Maria."
“Our actual anniversary is the 4th of July,” said George Giannaris. “We’re doing 40 events in our 40th year.” "Today’s special is 'interracial soup,' a Greek take on Italian Wedding Soup." "Some anniversary specials include: A free lemonade on Groundhog Day, February 2, if the groundhog predicts an early spring. If it’s six more weeks of winter, customers get a free cup of soup. On Leap Day, February 29, customers who buy one gryo, can get a second gyro for just 40 cents." ... "Mother’s Day and Father’s Day brunches, plus special wine pairing dinners, including spring’s Prohibition Farmer’s Ball ... which will highlight spirits instead of wines." {New options include more organic, gluten-free and vegetarian fare.}
June 11, {2006} "Hellenic {threw} a release party to celebrate the publishing of George Giannaris’ second book, 'Ferry Tales 2: When Hellenic Freezes over ~ {a continuation of George Giannaris’ first book 'Ferry Tales', {which is} a collection of personal stories, photographs and recipes.'” In a Suffolk Times interview about his first book, {George} Giannaris said he was inspired to write because he wanted to make sure his family history was recorded somewhere for his sons, Yianni and Savvas. At the time, he attributed the restaurant’s success to his father’s “gifted palate,” his mother’s persistence and attention to detail, and the ferry traffic that provides a constant stream of customers, even in the dead of winter. July 3rd {2006} "the restaurant {celebrated} its opening day and the country’s birthday with {Greek} music and dancing out on the lawn.
“We have a huge amount of customers that have been coming here for decades.

Krysten Massa wrote in The Suffolk Times dated 01.09.2018 the Business 2017 Businessperson of the Year: George Giannaris

"Beginning with John and Anna Giannaris, the same family has owned and operated the iconic snack bar since 1976." "For his dedication to his family business and the community he lives and works in, George Giannaris {was the} 2017 Suffolk Times Businessperson of the Year."
"Restaurant manager Debbie Volinski said {George} Giannaris has helped the Hellenic to evolve with the times. She began working there as a waitress when she was just 14, back when his parents ran it. Now 40 years later she’s still there, managing alongside Mr. Giannaris. 'George is so knowledgeable with everything {as he} just tries to make things better at the restaurant,” {Debbie Volinski} said. Debbie Volinski continued: 'Mr. Giannaris took the foundation his parents left for him and built upon it.'
George Giannaris 'began making his own gelato. Inspired by a seminar he attended, he spent about three months trying to perfect his own recipe before the restaurant opened for the 2017 season.'
"{George} Giannaris 'likes to keep many of the original menu items while also welcoming requests and suggestions for new ones.'"
"Rick Coffey and his wife own The Coffey House bed and breakfast located next door. He said he considers Mr. Giannaris one of his best friends. He said Mr. Giannaris’ work ethic and passion are what keep the snack bar successful. When he stops by the restaurant on Sunday mornings, [Rick} Coffey said, he will often sit with {George} Giannaris and watch as he reads Yelp reviews about the restaurant and personally answers each one. {Rick} Coffey added that Mr. Giannaris also opens his restaurant to the Greenport Rotary Club for meetings and roasts turkeys for his church at Thanksgiving. He described him as 'quietly and passionately giving his time and money to help the community.' 'While Mr. Giannaris can typically be seen walking around his restaurant greeting and conversing with old and new customers, he will also jump back on the grill when things get busy.'" "'{Rick} Coffey said Mr. Giannaris loves food and incorporating local North Fork ingredients into his family’s recipes.'"
"{Rick} Coffey said he’s seen so many restaurants in the area come and go over the years, but the Giannaris family restaurant is still as good as ever. 'To be there for over 40 years is outstanding,' {Rick Coffey} said. 'It just shows his commitment to the community...'"
Vera Chinese {who applied to NEWSDAY} was credited with snapping a Suffolk Times file photo that APPeared in that 01.09.2018 article of "George Giannaris (right) with son Savvas {scooping-up} some {house-made-gelato} at Hellenic Snack Bar & Restaurant in East Marion."